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Category: Owain Glyndwr
There had been no sound whatsoever ever since a solitary crow had given up its unashamed, tuneless mockery; his final thoughts on the day fade-echoing into evening. There had been no movement to mention either, save the almost swirl of mist and the occasional bovine coming briefly into sleepy focus before browsing back into the ambient haze. With the final glimmerings of day, you wouldn’t have been sure, and the eventide might have been playing tricks on your senses–the locals would have said it was the Tylwth Teg , the Welsh elves again–but the hint of a frail, grey, hooded figure seemed to flow as lightly as a light, late, evening breeze, ghosting in, out and under the canopy of leaves and encroaching undergrowth along the forest edge. Then the wraith would dissolve into nothingness, only to reassemble, all the while sidling obliquely for the manner. But … maybe not, the whole vision–trees, mist, house et al–quickly and silently faded to moonless indigo then black; only a halo of pale lantern light next to the ivy-shadowed door suggested any kind of responsive life at all.
John and Alys were sitting near a cheerful, reassuring fire that scattered red, yellow and gold fingers of light onto their concerned faces; the lively, crackling wood and flickering flame in deep contrast to their studied silence ...
.......to be continued. Check back on Glyndwr Day (September 16th) for the full story.
Call-and-response is the rhythm of this world. Songbirds call out to one another in the trees; warm weather invites the blossoming of roses; a mother coos in response to her baby’s gurgles. And, for the most part, hymns are a response to the call of God on the human heart.
During the Welsh revivals that ebbed and flowed through the centuries, men and women heard the invitation to draw close to the Spirit. Their response was to compose text and tune. Itinerant preachers called miners, farmers, and apprentices to the chapel for prayer and worship. Crowds thronged to sing with heart and soul.
As “revival” means “restoration of life,” so each wave of revival brought refreshment and “living water” to parched corners of Wales. Today’s Gymanfa Ganus reach into the storehouses for the fruit that came from those seasons of harvest to celebrate hymns once a year. Gymanfas connect us to a rich and fertile past.
Occasionally a Gymanfa will offer something new. Hymns of yesterday mingled with hymns of today in this year’s 80 th annual Gymanfa Ganu in Beavercreek, Oregon. Held on June 28 th , 2015 in Bryn Seion Welsh Church (built in 1884, it is the last active Welsh church on the West Coast of the U.S.A.), this year’s two afternoon gatherings included hymns birthed centuries ago and those recently penned, to the delight of visitors from Wales, Canada, Alaska, and surrounding states.
The chairman of the Gymanfa Ganu, Tad Davis, welcomed all. Geneva Cook was at the organ. Nerys Jones (born in Llanfair Caereinion, sang with the Seattle Opera and the English National Opera, and studied in the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) directed us with a voice of beauty and power. She briefly taught us the tonic sol-fa method of sight-reading, including hand motions.
The Festival Chorus of the Welsh Society of Portland came forward to sing four original pieces, directed by Dr. Jamie Lynn Webster (PhD in Musicology and Ethnomusicology from University of Oregon) and accompanied by accomplished musician, Mary Reese. Dr. Webster had asked Christopher Wicks (University of Montreal and Marylhurst College) to submit a new arrangement of “Calon Lân”; a complete version was emailed to her by the next morning! The second original was a new arrangement of “Lisa Lân” by choir member Jeff Lewis. The final new pieces were hymns written by (my father) Dr. Idris Evans: “Grow With God” (“Tyrd Gyda Duw”) and “Catch the Spirit” (“Dal Yr Ysbryd”), arranged for choir by Jeff Lewis.
John Owen, visiting from Boise, Idaho, sang a solo with feeling and strength, inspiring an enthusiastic standing ovation. We then raised the rafters with beloved standbys like “Diadem,” “Rachie,” “Blaenwern,” and “Cwm Rhondda.” The Rev. Greg Tatman gave the benediction, after which, a Te Bach (“little tea”) offered guests a sumptuous array of home-baked goodies, a now much-loved tradition at Bryn Seion Gymanfas.
As inspiring as the new musical contributions to this Oregon Gymanfa were, the Rev. John Clinton Evans lamented to the audience that the Welsh churches he visits are practically empty these days. So what will Gymanfas in Wales and around the globe look like in the future? Will there be another revival to bring new songs to Wales and to those with Welsh roots?
As we sang, I looked at my 20-year-old son, Evan (named after one of the leaders of the 1905 Revival), sitting with me to support his Taid (grandfather). My son’s generation and his counterparts in Wales will probably not create new four-part hymns. However, as the Spirit calls to the young, they will respond with their own style and their own expressions of love. They might compose the next favorite worship song in Welsh for electric guitar, drums, and keyboard. They may draft new arrangements to accompany old Welsh lyrics. It is possible they will meet in updated venues like school halls instead of chapels.
What will future Gymanfas look like? When new life comes, attendees will “[bring] out of [their] storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52). The young and the seasoned will raise their voices side-by-side. Gymanfas will be a call-and-response that engages the past, the present, and even the future, a call-and-response that reflects the natural rhythm of the world.
Jacqueline Rhianon Gonnerman
Many thanks to guest blogger David Dell for the article below about his aunt Elsa Spencer, "The Worlds' Premiere Parachutist" and for the superb pictures which are from plate photographs and have never been published before. You can buy David's latest book here:- Jack Swan: The Time Travel Disasters dgdfg
Ernest Thompson Willows had the title "The Father of British Airships" and Elsa Spencer, enjoyed the title "The Worlds' Premiere Parachutist." Sadly, history has largely forgotten these two great Welsh champions of the air. Elsa Spencer's birthplace was a pub in Church Hulme, Chesire, but Cardiff became her home until the day she died in 1964.
Born August 6th 1882 as Gladys Robinson, Elsa Spencer also used the name Daisy Delauney. Her first parachute descent came on August bank holiday in 1901. A newspaper account from the Yorkshire Evening Post claims she was only 13 years old. This was inaccurate as her chronology puts her as being 18 years old. Over 300 parachute descents are credited to her - all from balloons. Although she flew with many different balloon pilots; Capt. Gaudron, the Spencer Brothers and Harry Truman, her later career with E.T Willows would have been a natural fit as both these aeronauts lived-in the same city.
Fortunately, Elsa Spencer's husband George Gooding was a professional photographer. He had various studios in Cardiff and some of his plate photographs remain to this day. A photograph dated August 1919 (see above) shows the Willows, Elsa Spencer and her husband. On the far left is Joseph Thompson Willows, the father of E.T Willows. To his right is a somewhat apprehensive Elsa Spencer getting ready to ascend from Cardiff's Sophia Gardens. Her apprehension is warranted as on one of these descents she landed in Cardiff docks and nearly drowned. Ernest Willows is in the center attaching the "Liberator" line to the balloon and we believe the man on the right is George (Harry) Gooding her husband.
George served in the first world was in Lord Kitchener's "Model Army." He spent many years living rough in tents and together with his heavy smoking, affected his health. Sadly, George passed away in March 1934 at the age of 47. Elsa remained a widow until her death.
Tragedy was never far from many of the early aeronauts. Elsa Spencer worked with fellow female parachutist; Edith Maude Cook-who operated under various names including Viola Spencer and they were billed as the "Spencer sisters." Edith was one of many female parachutists to die tragically in the early days. On July 14th 1910, Edith Cook died of injuries in Coventry, five days after she parachuted onto a factory roof.
E.T.Willows also died tragically, along with four passengers, on the 3rd of August 1926 in a balloon accident in Bedford, England. E.T. Willows is buried in the Cathays cemetery. He is remembered with a school and a wonderful pub named in his honor. On the 15th of August, The Lloyds Sunday News published the first part of Elsa's Spencer's 25 year history of Parachuting. With the death of her friend E.T. Willows less than 2 weeks before, perhaps Elsa thought this was the time to hang up her parachute - there is no record of her ever making another parachute descent .
I visited Elsa in hospital shortly before her death in March 1964. I wore my uniform and proudly showed her my newly acquired parachute wings. She had been an inspiration for both my brother and I to join the British Airborne forces. Some weeks later, after I had returned to my unit, I learned that she passed away. The legs that had been battered and bruised so many times in so many rough landings were finally giving out. On the day of her death the doctors had scheduled an operation to amputate one of her legs. She never made it to the operating theater. The passing of this remarkable, brave and courageous lady was marked only with a small obituary in the South Wales Echo.
At her request she donated her body to the University of Cardiff medical school. The disposal of her ashes followed one year later - at an unknown location. Sadly, no plaque or memorial exists to mark the passing of Elsa Spencer, one of Cardiff's great parachuting pioneers.
"We are proud to offer, as part of our Eisteddfod competitions at the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW) , the David G. Morris Memorial Competition for Solo Voice. This is our signature competition, with the opportunity to win a cash scholarship ($3,500 US) for travel to compete in the 2016 National Eisteddfod of Wales.
This year’s David Morris Competition will be held Saturday, September 5, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. It is open to singers (residents of the Americas) with some professional training, but whose income is derived only partially from performing. Several David Morris winners have gone on to great success in competing in Wales, including a first-place winner at the 2012 National Eisteddfod in Vale of Glamorgan. More information can be found on the attached flyer.
Each competitor is required to sing two pieces from memory (contrasted selections drawn from art song, oratorio or operatic repertoire), at least one of which must be in Welsh. (Competitors should note that participation in the National Eisteddfod of Wales will involve singing in Welsh.)
The NAFOW Eisteddfod entry form, including further details on the David Morris competition, is available here: Eisteddfod Entry Form . Entries must be received by August 20, 2015.
For further information on this extraordinary opportunity, please contact us at any time (email: eisteddfod@nafow.org ; phone: 412-215-9161 )."
AmeriCymru: Hi Tony and many thanks for agreeing to this interview. What inspires your artwork?
Tony: Since my early childhood in north Wales I spent time drawing, especially faces and animals. My late mother used to say I took after my grandfather who spent his last remaining years painting schooners and putting models of these early sailing ships into bottles. He spent his working life on these ships transporting coal from the north Wales coast (Mostyn) to Ireland.
After leaving school I attended the local college to study Art and Design and from there I furthered my studies in London. I then worked in visual communication and after working in London (there was very little opportunity in this field of work in north Wales at that time) and Ireland and for a brief period in the US (Seattle) I thankfully returned home permanently to Wales in 1989. But after being layed off work twice and unable to find suitable employment back in Wales I decided to work on my own projects. And the first project had to be about Cymru. I had bought an old print of a map of north Wales (John Speed) while I was studying in London in the early 70’s, this being something I could not resist. I have treasured this map and two years ago I carefully took it out of the frame and got it professionally scanned. This was the start of my Welsh theme, which has been a labor of love.
AmeriCymru: What is your process? How do you create these wonderful images?
Tony: All of my work is a combination of design, photography and illustration. I do the research and collect old photographs as well as taking my own photographs. I design the layout and then put everything together on the AppleMac computer.
AmeriCymru: Care to comment on the Owain Glyndwr image (reproduced above)?
Tony: The Owain Glyndwr/ Llywelyn ab Iorwerth ( Llywelyn the Great ) image is to me the most important image I have ever created. I wanted to create an iconic image that communicates a fact, a very important fact. Cut out all the bullshit. A fact that every true Welshman and women should never forget.
AmeriCymru: Where can our readers go to purchase prints? Do you supply them framed or unframed?
Tony: All my work is on the etsy site. www.etsy.com/shop/ddraigdragon
I supply them mostly unframed. (due to postage cost) I have geared a number of my artworks including the Welsh theme to accommodate the IKEA frame Virserum ( dark brown) . Overall frame size is 23 x 19 inches
(48 x 58 cm) Each individually designed limited edition print is signed and numbered.
AmeriCymru: What's next for Tony Roberts?
Tony: ddraigdragon is based in Wales and my aim/vision is to produce unique quality gifts from Wales. Categories include: Maps, Music, Illustration, Sport, and Inspirational sayings (one being) Many people will walk in and out of your life but only a true friend will leave footprints in your heart. Eleanor Roosevelt. I have also begun researching images for a general map of Ireland and Scotland.
I am listing new products on etsy.com on a daily basis.
Commissioned work is also undertaken, please email for further information.
BUY 'GREAT RUGBY MOMENTS' HERE
Remember to call in for a chat in the lounge in Steddfod stall Meifod. We have a raft of new books and numerous events. Something for everyone we hope.
Here is a list of events or click the link here to download the poster.
Saturday, August 1
12:30 Tent Lounge - Dona Direidi read the story!
Monday, August 3
11 o'clock, Tipi Lounge Literature - Llyr Gwyn Lewis discusses Flower Sex War.
12 o'clock, Tent Lounge - Launch Website No, Nell!
2.30pm, National Library Tent Patagonia 150.
3 o'clock, Children's Literature Festival Tent - Meleri Wyn James No, Nell!
Tuesday, August 4
11:30 o'clock, Tent Lounge - Dona Direidi read story!
2 O'Clock, Stall Launch National College Welsh Language Rights, a tribute volume Merêd.
4 o'clock, Children's Literature Festival Tent, More Jokes Lounge with Huw Aron.
Wednesday, August 5
12 o'clock, Children's Literature Festival Tent - with story Meleri Wyn James , Author series No, Nell!
2 o'clock, Tent Lounge - Geraint Evans signing his new novel, The Hidden Enemy.
Thursday, August 6
11:30 o'clock, Tent Lounge - Dona Direidi read story!
1:45 pm Tipi Lounge author David Guy Literature Estate.
3:00 pm Stand Lounge - Launch Drive By Storom accompanied by Melody Griffiths.
Friday, August 7
3 o'clock, Tent Lounge - Ken Lewis signing his autobiography Inspector Ken.
Saturday, August 8
1.30pm, The Literary Pavilion, Centennial Charles Williams and release the book Remembering Charles.
If you do not want to come you can buy the books at your local store or www.ylolfa.com . Photographs of the Eisteddfod on our facebook and stream twitter .
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A message from author Philip Evans - "Here is the start of a four part play which whilst rejected by BBC Wales may amuse the readers of Americymru"
The Italian Lob
The basic premise is a one off special television hour and a half mini- film - as a homage to the legendary BBC programme ' Grand Slam'.It is a story to reflect the changing face of the Welsh Valleys and how cosmopolitan they have become and also how the sport of Rugby Union - the National Sport of Wales - just ahead of beer drinking- has changed since the 1970s some 45 years ago. It is initially set in Glebeland Street Merthyr Tydfil , with the five main characters being a French Welshman ( Cafe Owner) , English Welshman ( Estate Agent) Irish Welshman (Newspaper Reporter), an Italian Welshman ( Chip Shop owner) and a Scottish Welshman (Publican) encompassing the Six Nations so involved in the tournament.
The location is already there with all five establishments in place- albeit cosmetic changes would be needed to the shop fronts.
There may even be funding available to shoot in a socially deprived area.
My preferred choice of actors/comedians for the parts as listed above are :- Rhod Gilbert, Greg Davies, Boyd Clack, Steve Speirs & Rob Brydon.
There will be minor ( not miner ) parts for Ruth Jones, Max Boyce, Steve Meo , Mike Bubbins ,Rob Sidoli , Neil Jenkins & Dale Mackintosh.
If possible the preferred choice of the Director is Mr Gareth Gwenllan with his BBC Wales 'High Hopes' team involved.
All music to be drawn from the multitude of hits from the Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers with a few Max Boyce and Boyd Clack numbers thrown into the mix.
I would hope that the money could be raised by way of Welsh sponsors- Brains Brewery , WRU and any other Welsh Company that would want product placement or direct advertising in the film.
The plot and storyline is based on my published short story ' The Italian Lob' from 2007, which is a road movie of five friends and business neighbours leading from the austerity hit Merthyr Tydfil, through to the brothels of Paris and then to the Stadio Olympico for a 'Wooden Spoon ' decider rugby match in the climax of a poor Six Nations for Wales.
It is also a story about divided loyalties....hence the title Italian Lob.
It is a direct contrast to the 'Grand Slam' - it can be shown anytime when the Team is not at its greatest.
Its target audience would be the proud Welsh people who love Rugby, Beer, and Comedy...ie every Welsh person Worldwide.
The tale starts with the five Glebeland Street businesses shutting up shop on a Thursday Night in late February , ready for a St Davids Day match in Italy on a 'killer' trip of beer, vino and women for five 'converts' in a cramped Union Jack clad mini car , bought on the cheap with one of the characters redundancy money from the former Hoovers factory - as a prop from the 'Spice World' the Movie, and ends with a Welshman inadvertently making the ultimate sacrifice for his Country.
The use of the mini is to illustrate that its occupants are British as well as Welshmen and of course is a further homage to the 1960's film the Italian Job.
There will be several different 'Italian Lobs' too throughout the story which will be revealed by the enclosed script.
I sincerely hope you enjoy reading the 'pilot' script- it is my first ever attempt.
It is my wish that this story sees the light of day as a tribute to my late Father Douglas Evans who died in 2011 and of course my Brother-in-Law and his friends who provided the inspiration for the idea.
Yours Faithfully
Character profiles
Titch Hatchey
Age 50 thin, receding hairline, smoker, nervous type, loves fast cars, drink and away trips with freedom away from his nagging wife, recently made redundant former Hoover & Japanese electronic Factory worker, now trying his hand at being a Pub Landlord....Scottish ancestry.
Des Res
Local Estate Agent , refined, debonair, eloquent , but loves himself, sporty, aged 55 , proud for once being being mistaken for Bruce Willis at Paris Airport ...moustache..rich but generous with it.
Pat O'Lee
Local newspaper advertising salesman...52 ...loves a bet...extremely tight with money...has a ginger fetish...married to a ginger lady...very serious and a little quick tempered.
Perrier Jones
The owner of the French cafe de Glebeland , good looking, fit likes to go to the gym...ladies man ....54 ....but not the brightest....an entrepreneur who likes to hide it from the tax man.
Mario Pizza
Age 48, olive skinned, third generation chip shop owner, family came over before Second World War ...tiny thin pencil moustache...happy go lucky ...always joking.
History, art, architecture and little quirky bits are all here in a novel new map of Swansea. Local artists Melanie Ezra and Rosie Scribblah like to wander the city centre and foreshore, one with a camera, the other with a sketchbook, getting their inspiration from funny little oddities and nooks and crannies in our ugly, lovely, bonkers city. Along with 12 artists from England, they were commissioned by London-based publishers, Sampson Low Ltd, to produce one of a dozen oddball maps.
Pointing out the little idiosyncrasies that interest them, they illustrate the walk with their artwork. Melanie says, “ Swansea is full of art, culture and history and in this little map we’re only just touching on the things that fascinate us ”.
The map takes people on a trail that includes Dragons, Doctor Who and Da Vinci; street art, sand and granny’s custard; galleries, museums and allotments. Rosie is thrilled with the attention the Swansea map has been getting,
“ It’s been in an exhibition in London and it’s selling more copies than the other maps, there’s even been a copy ordered from the USA. It’s great that people are so interested in Swansea.”
Priced at £2, ’Swansea: On The Map: An Artist’s Walk’ is available directly from the publishers, Sampson Low Ltd http://www.sampsonlow.com/
or from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/
